The Splendor of The New York Caribbean Carnival Parade

This past weekend was “The New York Caribbean Carnival Parade”, better known as the West-Indian Day Parade, which usually happens on Labor Day--signalling the end of summer. The West-Indian Day Parade is Brooklyn’s Annual parade to promote, develop and celebrate Caribbean culture, arts, history and traditions. It is that time of the year, where you can hear the steel band music echoing in the air, see marchers wearing extravagant costumes with feathered headdresses, and enjoy live performers floating along Eastern Parkway. Loudspeakers blast the latest and some of the most popular Reggae, Calypso, and Soca music. And, how can I forget the tantalizing scent of island foods that linger in the air.

Just in case you're wondering what to wear. I kept it fringe-friendly with this Dakota Fringe bag in rustic brown, gifted to me by my friends over at One Tribe Apparel. I paired it with a Fabulously Fearless tee, some Levis cut-off shorts, and a pair of pink New Balance kicks. Together they made for a cute festival or parade outfit.

There are two ways to experience the parade: either as an onlooker from behind the police barricade, or pay your fee and you get to be an official part of the actual parade. No matter how many times you’ve been to the parade it’s like attending for the first time. The technicolor of splendor, always seems to pull you in. If you’re looking to catch all the latest Caribbean dances the revelers don’t disappoint, displaying agility and stamina as they grind and twerk their way down the 2 mile-stretch (which seems to be more like 4 miles), in sequined feathered brassieres, barely there bottoms, and capes made from flags of their native Caribbean countries.

The Parade is just one of several events that takes place over the cycle of the 4-day weekend. It is a culmination of all the events, drawing well over two millions visitors to the city from all over the world, benefiting New York City on an economic level, from small businesses to large corporations and the tourist industries.

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